As the Premier League season draws to a close, we delve into the unique stylistic traits that defined each team's campaign. Using data from the new football app futi, which measures team and player performance based on detailed phase-of-play models, we highlight one standout characteristic for every club.
Arsenal: Defence Wins Championships
Arsenal conceded the fewest goals in the league, boasting an impenetrable defence across almost all phases. Opponents rarely improved their goal probabilities against the Gunners, who won the buildup, progression, and finishing phases with ease. They were also the toughest team to counterattack against, while launching the most counterattacks themselves.
Manchester City: Dribbling Masters
City led the league in take-ons and progressive carries, thanks to a squad of elite dribblers like Jérémy Doku, Matheus Nunes, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Antoine Semenyo. Despite their passing reputation, they assembled a team of lockpickers, reviving the art of dribbling.
Manchester United: Most Versatile
United showed the most improvement from last season, with much of the progress coming under Ruben Amorim. Despite his tactical rigidity, the team was highly flexible, splitting matches between three different styles. Under Michael Carrick, they shifted from Bunker and Counter to Press and Possess, proving there is more than one way to win.
Aston Villa: Staying Grounded
Unai Emery's side kept the ball on the ground, spending the least time in high-ball phases and winning fewest headers. They played a patient, low-pressure game, conceding the third-fewest expected goals in transition.
Liverpool: Progress, Not Perfection
Liverpool led the league in progressive passes and passes into the penalty area, excelling at moving the ball through midfield. However, they struggled to finish moves and prevent opponents from progressing.
Bournemouth: Lords of Chaos
Andoni Iraola's team embraced chaos, spending more time in loose-ball or high-ball situations than anyone. They ranked top three for direct buildups, high tempo, and high pressing.
Brighton: Building Something
Brighton won 67% of their buildups, the highest in the league, despite widespread man-to-man pressing. They consistently found ways to play out from the back.
Brentford: Set-Piece Savants
Brentford led the league in expected goals from set pieces, with aggressive dead-ball tactics. They attempted the most attacking throw-ins, often launching long throws into the box.
Sunderland: Tactically On-Trend
Sunderland ranked second for attacking free-kicks and throw-ins, and fifth for high pressing intensity. Their pragmatic style surprised bookies and kept them in the Premier League.
Chelsea: Press Bait
Chelsea played the most patient and central buildup, drawing opponents high to create space. While not always successful, their fast breaks were among the best.
Newcastle: Pressure Cooking
Newcastle's aggressive press allowed opponents to win only 55% of buildups, the lowest in the league. However, they were vulnerable on fast breaks.
Everton: Free-Kick Fanatics
Everton took the most attacking free-kicks, often bringing goalkeeper Jordan Pickford forward to launch the ball into the box. They bypassed midfield buildup entirely.
Fulham: The Closers
Fulham led the league in fast breaks, with most of their high-octane attacks starting from ordinary buildup. They were highly efficient in the finishing phase, winning a higher percentage than anyone.
Leeds: Air Force
Leeds had the tallest squad and attempted the most headers, spending more time in high-ball phases. They relied on aerial dominance to outperform expectations.
Crystal Palace: Best Bunker and Counter
Palace allowed the fewest expected goals in transition and won the highest percentage of counterattacks, thanks to the pace of Sarr, Muñoz, and Mateta.
Nottingham Forest: Great Wide Open
Forest had the fourth-widest buildup and widest attack, forcing opponents to build up centrally. They made the pitch big in possession and small without it.
Tottenham Hotspur: Take On Me
With few midfielders able to pass, Spurs dribbled frequently, taking on more defenders than any team except Man City. However, they also spent more time chasing loose balls.
West Ham: Impossible to Counter
Under Nuno Espírito Santo, West Ham played deep Bunker and Counter, making them the second-most difficult team to counterattack against by avoiding organized attacks.
Burnley: Long Goal-Kick Lovers
Burnley took 81% of goal-kicks long, the most in the league, while sitting off to encourage opponents to play short. They won long phases 90% of the time.
Wolves: Counterpressing Champs
Wolves disrupted opponents' possession security, with rivals securing the ball only half the time—the lowest percentage in the league.
